A device for strapping a load at heights

ABSTRACT

A load strapping device ( 10 ) has a first elongated member ( 12 ) having a first end ( 14 ), a second elongated member ( 16 ) having a second end ( 18 ) and a pivot assembly ( 20 ) interconnecting the first and second ends. A strap end receiving assembly ( 22 ) is connected to a free end ( 24 ) of one of the elongated member ( 16 ). For use, one end of a strap ( 40 ) is engaged to the strap end receiving assembly. A load strapping arrangement over a load ( 44 ) is formed when a user, located at one side of the load, grips the device and lifts the one end of the strap to a first position just above the height of the load. From this position, the one end of the strap, by pivotal manipulation of the elongated members, is then fed over the top of the load until the one end of the strap reaches a second position at the other side of the load. After this position is reached, the one end of the strap is disengaged from the strap end receiving assembly and the device is withdrawn from the top of the load. This allows the one end of the strap and another end of the strap to be securely attached to respective anchor points for strapping over the load.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a device for use in strapping a load atheights and to a load strapping procedure which utilizes such a device.

BACKGROUND ART

The loading and transportation of large objects on a truck requires thatthe objects be properly strapped, or otherwise restrained, to the trayor platform onto which they are loaded to prevent unwanted movement andavoid the risk of the objects falling from the truck.

The strapping of tall objects, such as storage racks, to a tray of atruck may be achieved by simply throwing one end of a strap over theobject and grabbing that end as it hangs over the other side of theobject, and then completing the load strapping procedure to anchorpoints on the truck. However, there is a risk that a person standing onthe other side of the object may be struck by the thrown strap end andsuffer an injury, and this may be exacerbated by the presence of a metalhook or other hard anchoring device connected at that end.

There is also a possibility that the strap may be twisted over the topof the object and, if left uncorrected, the twisted strap may compromisethe effectiveness of the load strapping procedure. The likelihood of atwisted strap being present over such a strapped object is heightened bythe inability of the person(s) throwing and grabbing the strap toobserve, from ground level, the orientation of the strap on the top ofthe object.

Similar problems can arise when it is necessary to pass a strap througha small space between the top of the object and, say, the roof of atautliner body of a truck.

To address such problems, it is a not uncommon practice for a person toclimb onto the truck, and even onto the loaded object itself, in thecourse of the load strapping procedure. Such a practice is both timeconsuming and, more importantly, creates a risk of serious injury shouldthe person fall to the ground.

To avoid such workplace accidents, a safer approach to the strapping ofloads at heights has involved the use of forklifts or other automatedlifting devices, but this solution may only be effective incircumstances where these devices are readily available for use, or arestructurally suited to reach the desired height and to extend across thetop of the loaded object. Forklifts, for example, are not designed orbest suited for this purpose and they may be more beneficially usedelsewhere if a simpler and still safe approach to the strapping of loadsat heights can be found. Furthermore, the operation of a forkliftrequires an additional person and the use of approved and compatiblesafety cages, which add to the cost of the load strapping procedure.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide adevice for use in strapping a load at heights which is simple, safe touse, and effective in ensuring that a strap is not twisted over the topof the load and the load strapping procedure can be completed correctly,safely and efficiently.

According to a broad form of the present invention, there is provided aload strapping device comprising:

(a) a first elongated member having a first end,

(b) a second elongated member having a second end,

(c) a pivot assembly interconnecting the first and second ends, and

(d) a strap end receiving assembly connected to a free end of one of theelongated members,

wherein, for use, one end of a strap is engaged to the strap endreceiving assembly, and wherein a load strapping arrangement over a loadis formed when a user, located at one side of the load, grips the deviceand lifts the one end of the strap to a first position just above theheight of the load, from where the one end of the strap, by pivotalmanipulation of the elongated members, is then fed over the top of theload until the one end of the strap reaches a second position at theother side of the load, whereafter the one end of the strap isdisengaged from the strap end receiving assembly and the device iswithdrawn from the top of the load to allow the one end of the strap andanother end of the strap to be securely attached to respective anchorpoints for strapping over the load.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provideda process for strapping a load at heights, the process comprising:

(a) providing a load strapping device according to the broad form, asdescribed above,

(b) engaging one end of a strap to the strap end receiving assembly,

(c) forming a load strapping arrangement over the load by the steps of:

-   -   (i) a user, located at one side of the load, gripping the device        and lifting the one end of the strap to a first position just        above the height of the load,    -   (ii) pivotally manipulating the elongated member so that the one        end of the strap is fed over the top of the load until the one        end of the strap reaches a second position at the other side of        the load,    -   (iii) disengaging the one end of the strap from the strap end        receiving assembly,    -   (iv) withdrawing the device from the top of the load, and    -   (v) securely attaching the one end of the strap and another end        of the strap to respective anchor points for strapping over the        load.

Preferably, the process further comprises, between step (iv) and step(v) as described above, the steps of the or another user, located at theother side of the load, gripping the device and re-engaging the one endof the strap to the strap end receiving assembly and lowering the oneend of the strap to a position from where it can be anchored.

Preferably, the device further comprises a third elongated membertelescopically extendible from the second elongated member to anextended position remote of the pivot assembly, and an extension lockassembly for at least temporarily locking the third elongated member inthe extended position, the strap end receiving assembly being connectedto a free end of the third elongated member, and further wherein, foruse, the third elongated member is removably locked in the extendedposition.

In a preferred form, the third elongated member is telescopicallyextendible to the extended position by sliding over the second elongatedmember.

It is preferred that the extension lock assembly comprises a firstaperture in the second elongated member, at least one second aperture inthe third elongated member, and a pin which, in use, is located throughboth the first aperture and the, or a selected, second aperture forremovably locking the third elongated member in the extended position.

Preferably, the pin is a quick release pin or a dowel pin that isinsertable into, and removable from, both of the first and secondapertures, and when inserted through both of the first and secondapertures is secured in position by an R-shaped spring clip engagedwithin a hole extending laterally within the pin.

Alternatively, the pin is a spring movable lock pin which is secured tothe second elongated member and is extended outwardly through the firstaperture when the pin is under spring tension, and is retracted inwardlyfrom the first aperture when the pin is under spring compression exertedby a pressure applied by the third elongated member on the pin, andwherein the pin projects outwardly through the, or a selected, secondaperture for removably locking the third elongated member in theextended position.

It is preferred that there is a plurality of second apertures which areregularly spaced apart in the third elongated member.

The strap end receiving assembly preferably comprises a rod extendingperpendicularly from a longitudinal axis of the third elongated member,the rod having a length sufficient to receive therearound a looped endof the strap.

According to a preferred form of the present invention, there isprovided a device for use in strapping a load at heights, the devicecomprising:

(a) a first elongated member having a first end,

(b) a second elongated member having a second end,

(c) a pivot assembly interconnecting the first and second ends,

(d) a third elongated member telescopically extendible from the secondelongated member to an extended position remote of the pivot assembly,

(e) an extension lock assembly for at least temporarily locking thethird elongated member in the extended position, and

(f) a strap end receiving assembly connected to a free end of the thirdelongated member,

wherein, for use, the third elongated member is locked in the extendedposition, and one end of a strap is engaged to the strap end receivingassembly, and wherein a load strapping arrangement over a load is formedwhen a user, located at one side of the load, grips the device and liftsthe one end of the strap to a first position just above the height ofthe load, from where the one end of the strap, by pivotal manipulationof the elongated members, is then fed over the top of the load until theone end of the strap reaches a second position at the other side of theload, whereafter the one end of the strap is disengaged from the strapend receiving assembly and the device is withdrawn from the top of theload to allow the one end of the strap and another end of the strap tobe securely attached to respective anchor points for strapping over theload.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a process for strapping a load at heights, the processcomprising:

(a) providing a load strapping device according to the preferred form,as described above,

(b) locking the third elongated member in the extended position,

(c) engaging one end of a strap to the strap end receiving assembly,

(d) forming a load strapping arrangement over the load by the steps of:

-   -   (i) a user, located at one side of the load, gripping the device        and lifting the one end of the strap to a first position just        above the height of the load,    -   (ii) pivotally manipulating the elongated member so that the one        end of the strap is fed over the top of the load until the one        end of the strap reaches a second position at the other side of        the load,    -   (iii) disengaging the one end of the strap from the strap end        receiving assembly,    -   (iv) withdrawing the device from the top of the load, and    -   (v) securely attaching the one end of the strap and another end        of the strap to respective anchor points for strapping over the        load.

Preferably, the process further comprises, between step (iv) and step(v) as described above, the steps of the or another user, located at theother side of the load, gripping the device and re-engaging the one endof the strap to the strap end receiving assembly and lowering the oneend of the strap to a position from where it can be anchored.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be more readily understood and put intopractical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanyingdrawings, which are summarized as follows.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a load strapping device according to oneembodiment of the present invention, when the device is not in use andis in a flat packed storage configuration.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a load strapping device according toanother embodiment of the present invention, when the device is not inuse and is in a flat packed storage configuration.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a load strapping device according toyet another embodiment of the present invention, when the device is notin use and is in a flat packed storage configuration.

FIG. 3A is an enlarged perspective view of a pivot portion of the deviceshown in FIGS. 2A, 2B in which a storage lock assembly is beingunlocked.

FIG. 38 is an enlarged perspective view of a pivot portion of a deviceaccording to another embodiment of the present invention showing analternative storage lock assembly.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of part of the unlocked device of FIG. 3Abeing extended.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of part of the device of FIGS. 3A, 3B afterhaving been extended to a pre-locking extended position.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of part of the device of FIG. 3A in astage of being locked in the extended position.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of part of the device of FIG. 3B in astage of being locked in the extended position.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of part of the device of FIG. 6A afterhaving been locked in the extended position, and in which the device isready to receive an end of a strap for use in strapping a load atheights.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the entire device of FIG. 7 in theextended position.

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the entire device of FIG. 26 in theextended position.

FIG. 9A is an enlarged perspective view of a strap end receiving portionof the device shown in FIG. 8A adjacent to a load to be strapped.

FIG. 9B is an enlarged perspective view of a strap end receiving portionof the device shown in FIG. 8B adjacent to a load to be strapped.

FIG. 10A is an enlarged perspective view of part of the device of FIG.9A after receiving a strap end.

FIG. 10B is an enlarged perspective view of part of the device of FIG.9B after receiving a strap end.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the device of FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3B, 24with a strap end received thereon and being in the first position at oneside of a load mounted inside the tautliner body of a truck, the devicebeing used in a first step of a load strapping procedure over the load.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a second step of the loadstrapping procedure.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a third step of the load strappingprocedure.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a fourth step of the loadstrapping procedure.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a fifth step of the load strappingprocedure.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view showing the second position ofthe strap end at the other side of the load after the fifth step.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a sixth step of the load strappingprocedure.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a seventh step of the loadstrapping procedure.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing an eighth step of the loadstrapping procedure.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a ninth step of the load strappingprocedure.

FIG. 21 is a plan view of a load strapping device according to yetanother embodiment of the present invention, when the device is not inuse and is in a flat packed storage configuration.

FIG. 22 is a side view of the load strapping device of FIG. 21 .

FIG. 23 is a plan view of the load strapping device of FIGS. 21 and 22after having been locked in the extended position.

FIG. 24 is a plan view of a load strapping device according to a stillfurther embodiment of the present invention, when the device is not inuse and is in a flat packed storage configuration.

FIG. 25 is a side view of the load strapping device of FIG. 24 .

FIG. 26 is a plan view of the load strapping device of FIGS. 24 and 25after having been locked in the extended position.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

An embodiment 10 of a load strapping device, when not in use, is shownin FIG. 1 in a flat packed storage configuration. The device 10 has afirst elongated member 12 with a first end 14 and has a second elongatedmember 16 with a second end 18. A pivot assembly 20 interconnects thefirst and second ends 14, 18. There is a strap end receiving assembly 22connected to a free end of one of the elongated members which, in thisembodiment, is the free end 24 of elongated member 16. In thisembodiment, the free end 24 is a straight end, but in an otherwisesimilar alternative embodiment, the free end 24 is an upwardly curvedend, such as will be described shortly with reference to a loadstrapping device 30 a.

The first and second elongated members 12, 16 are only capable ofpivotal movement about the pivot assembly 20, and they define a pair ofpivotal arms which are of fixed and substantially identical lengths.

For use, one end of a strap (not shown for this embodiment) is engagedto the strap end receiving assembly 22.

The forming of a load strapping arrangement over a load by a usermanipulating the device 10 in a series of steps will be described byreference to a load strapping procedure which utilises anotherembodiment 30 of a load strapping device shown in FIGS. 2A to 20 . Theload strapping device 30 has additional structural and functionalfeatures to those of the load strapping device 10, and so the loadstrapping procedure utilizing the device 10 is to be understood on thebasis that the device 10 is capable of performing only those steps ofsuch a procedure which its simpler structure and function, and likefeatures, allow. Such like features between the devices 10 and 30 willbe identified by like numerals in the description of the device 30 andthe load strapping procedure which follows.

The load strapping device 30, when not in use, is shown in FIG. 2A in aflat packed storage configuration. As shown in FIGS. 2A to 20 , thedevice 30 has a first elongated member 12 with a first end 14 and has asecond elongated member 16 (shown in FIGS. 4 to 8 ) with a second end18. A pivot assembly 20 interconnects the first and second ends 14, 18.

Unlike the device 10, the device 30 has a third elongated member 32which is telescopically extendible from the second elongated member 16to an extended position remote of the pivot assembly 20. In addition,the device 30 has an extension lock assembly 34 (shown in FIGS. 7 and 8) for at least temporarily locking the third elongated member 32 in theextended position. Like the device 10, the device 30 has a strap endreceiving assembly 22, but it is connected to a free end 36 of the thirdelongated member 32. In this embodiment, the free end 36 is a straightend, but in an otherwise similar alternative embodiment of a loadstrapping device 30 a shown in FIG. 2B, the free end 36 is an upwardlycurved end 36 a. The upwardly curved end 36 a enables that end of thedevice 30 a to slide over certain obstacles in its path.

The first and second elongated members 12, 16 are capable of pivotalmovement about the pivot assembly 20 and, because of the telescopicallyextendible third elongated member 32, they define a pair of pivotal armswhich may have variable and substantially different lengths.

For use, and as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, one end 38 of a strap 40 isengaged to the strap end receiving assembly 22, and the third elongatedmember 32 is removably locked in the extended position.

The device 30, 30 a can be manipulated by a user 42 to form a loadstrapping arrangement over a load 44 mounted inside a tautliner body 70of a truck 72 in accordance with the following general series of steps,as shown in FIGS. 11 to 20 , of a load strapping procedure. The user 42,located at one side of the load 44, grips the device 30, 30 a and liftsthe one end 38 of the strap 40 to a first position, as shown in FIG. 11, just above the height of the load 44. From this first position, thestrap end 38, by pivotal manipulation of the elongated members 12, 16(or pivotal arms), as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 , is then fed over thetop of the load 44, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 , until the strap end 38reaches a second position, as shown in FIG. 16 , at the other side ofthe load 44. The strap end 38 is then disengaged from the strap endreceiving assembly 22 by the user 42 rotating the first elongated member12, with the second and third elongated members 16, 32 serving as theaxis of rotation, partly in a clockwise direction, as shown in FIG. 17 ,so that the strap end 38 slips off the strap end receiving assembly 22.The device 30, 30 a is then withdrawn from the top of the load, as shownin FIGS. 18 and 19 . This allows the strap end 38 and another end 46 ofthe strap 40, which strap end 46 is still located at the same side ofthe load as the user 42, to be securely attached to respective anchorpoints (not shown) for strapping over the load 44. Alternatively, theother strap end 46 may be connected to a ratchet which is alreadyanchored to the body 70 of the truck 72. The device 30, 30 a ismanipulated, as shown in FIG. 20 , so as to return to a flat packedstorage configuration, as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, to be available forre-use.

The above described device 30, 30 a may take the form of variousembodiments. In one such embodiment, the third elongated member 32 istelescopically extendible to the extended position by sliding over thesecond elongated member 16.

In another embodiment of the device 30, 30 a, the extension lockassembly 34 has a first aperture 48 in the second elongated member 16,and a second aperture 50 in the third elongated member 32, and a pin 52which, when the device is in use, is located through both the firstaperture 48 and the second aperture 50 for removably locking the thirdelongated member 32 in the extended position.

In yet another embodiment of the device 30, 30 a the pin 52 is a dowelpin, or alternatively is a quick release pin, that is insertable into,and removable from, both of the first and second apertures 48, 50. Wheninserted through these apertures 48, 50, the dowel pin 52 is secured inposition by an R-shaped spring clip 54 engaged within a hole 56extending laterally through the pin 52.

Alternatively, and as shown in FIGS. 3B, 6B, 21 to 23 and 24 to 26 ofstill another embodiment 60, 60 a of the load strapping device, the pinis a spring movable lock pin 62 which is secured to the second elongatedmember 16 and is extended outwardly through the first aperture 48 whenthe pin 62 is under spring tension, and is retracted inwardly from thefirst aperture 48 when the pin 62 is under spring compression exerted bya pressure applied by the third elongated member 32 on the pin 62. Thepin 62, when the device is in use, projects outwardly through the secondaperture 50 for removably locking the third elongated member 32 in theextended position.

The third elongated member 32 of the device 60, 60 a has a plurality ofregularly spaced apart, second apertures 50 a, 50 b, 50 c and 50, andthe second aperture 50 through which the pin 62, in use, projectsoutwardly, is a selected one of the plurality of apertures that is bestsuited to enable the device 60, 60 a, during the load strappingprocedure, to reach the desired height and to extend across the top ofthe load 44.

In the embodiments 10, 30, 30 a, 60 and 60 a of the load strappingdevice, the strap end receiving assembly 22 has a rod 63 connected by athreaded mounting device passing through a free end of one of theelongated members 16, 32 so as to extend perpendicularly therefrom. Therod 63 has a length sufficient to receive therearound the end 38 of thestrap 40, which is a looped end.

In the embodiment 30, 30 a of the load strapping device, the device 30,30 a includes a storage lock assembly 64 for at least temporarilylocking the third elongated member 32 to the second elongated member 16in the flat packed storage configuration shown in FIG. 2A, 2B.

The storage lock assembly 64 has a storage lock aperture 66 located atthe second end 18 of the second elongated member 16, the second aperture50 located at the end of the third elongated member 32 adjacent to thepivot assembly 20, and the dowel pin 52 which, when the device is not inuse, is located through both the storage lock aperture 66 and the secondaperture 50. The R-shaped spring clip 54 secures the dowel pin 52 inposition in a manner as described earlier for the extension lockassembly 34.

In the embodiment 60, 60 a of the load strapping device, the springmovable lock pin 62 of the device 60, 60 a serves to at leasttemporarily lock the third elongated member 32 to the second elongatedmember 16 in the flat packed storage configuration shown in FIGS. 21, 24.

The use of the load strapping device 30, 30 a, 60, 60 a will now bedescribed having particular regard to the specific series of steps shownin the drawings.

To unlock the device 30, 30 a from its flat packed storage configurationshown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, where the third elongated member 32 is locked tothe second elongated member 16, a user first removes the R-shaped springclip 54 from the dowel pin 52, as shown in FIG. 3A, and then the pin 52is removed from both the storage lock aperture 66 and the secondaperture 50. To similarly unlock the device 60, 60 a from its flatpacked storage configuration shown in FIGS. 21, 24 , a user presses downon the pin 62 (see FIG. 3B) so that it no longer projects outwardlythrough the second aperture 50.

The user then slides the third elongated member 32 over the secondelongated member 16 away from the pivot assembly 20, as shown in FIG. 4, until the third elongated member 32 reaches a pre-locking extendedposition, as shown in FIG. 5 , where the first aperture 48 in the secondelongated member 16 is axially aligned with the second aperture 50 inthe third elongated member 32. For the device 30, 30 a, the dowel pin 52is then inserted into both the first and second apertures 48, 50, asshown in FIG. 6A, and the R- shaped spring clip 54 secures the dowel pin52 in position so that the third elongated member 32 is removably lockedin the extended position, as shown in FIGS. 7, 8A and 8B, where thedevice 30, 30 a is ready to receive an end of a strap for use instrapping a load at heights. For the device 60, 60 a, another springmovable lock pin 62a springs upwardly through the second aperture 50 inthe third elongated member 32 to removably lock that member 32 in theextended position, as shown in FIG. 6B.

The strap end receiving assembly 22 of the device 30, 30 a, 60, 60 a asshown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, receives the looped end 38 of the strap 40 aroundthe rod 63, as shown in FIGS. 10A, 10B. The looped strap end 38 also hasa ring 68, hook or clamp attached thereto which is used for engaging thelooped strap end 38 to an anchor point for strapping over the load. Itwill be well understood by persons skilled in the art that there aremany different ways of attaching a strap end to a strap end receivingpart of a load strapping device according to this invention.

As shown in FIG. 11 , a user 42, standing at one side of a load 44 whichis mounted inside the tautliner body 70 of a truck 72, grips the device30, 30 a, 60, 60 a and raises it so as to lift the looped strap end 38of the strap 40 to a first position just above the height of the load44.

From this first position, the looped strap end 38, by pivotalmanipulation of the elongated members 12, 16 (or pivotal arms), as shownin FIGS. 12 and 13 , is then fed over the top of the load 44, as shownin FIGS. 14 and 15 , until the looped strap end 38 reaches a secondposition, as shown in FIG. 16 , at the other side of the load 44.

The looped strap end 38 is then disengaged from the strap end receivingassembly 22 by the user 42 rotating the first elongated member 12, withthe second and third elongated members 16, 32 serving as the axis ofrotation, partly in a clockwise direction, as shown in FIG. 17 , so thatthe strap end 38 slips off the strap end receiving assembly 22. Thedevice 30, 30 a, 60, 60 a is then withdrawn from the top of the load 44,as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 .

This allows the looped strap end 38 and another end 46 of the strap 40,which end 46 is still located at the same side of the load 44 as theuser 42, to be securely attached to respective anchor points (not shown)for strapping over the load 44. Alternatively, the other strap end 46may be connected to a ratchet which is already anchored to the body 70of the truck 72.

The device 30, 30 a, 60, 60 a is manipulated, as shown in FIG. 20 , soas to return to a flat packed storage configuration, as shown in FIGS.2A, 2B, 21, 24 to be available for re-use.

When in the flat packed storage configuration, the devices 10, 30, 30 a,60, 60 a are able to fit, from side to side, within the body of a truck.As the width of truck bodies vary, the load strapping devices of thepresent invention can be manufactured to have lengths which can beaccommodated within these various truck body widths.

The device of the present invention can be made from electricallyinsulating or non-conductive material to avoid danger arising whenworking close to overhead electrical wiring.

It will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art that variousmodifications may be made in details of design and construction of theload strapping device, and in the steps of using the load strappingdevice, as described above, without departing from the scope or ambit ofthe present invention.

1-13. (canceled)
 14. A load strapping device, comprising: (a) a firstelongated member having a first end, (b) a second elongated memberhaving a second end, (c) a pivot assembly interconnecting the first andsecond ends, and (d) a strap end receiving assembly connected to a freeend of one of the elongated members, wherein, for use, one end of astrap is engaged to the strap end receiving assembly, and wherein a loadstrapping arrangement over a load is formed when a user, located at oneside of the load, grips the device and lifts the one end of the strap toa first position just above the height of the load, from where the oneend of the strap, by pivotal manipulation of the elongated members, isthen fed over the top of the load until the one end of the strap reachesa second position at the other side of the load, whereafter the one endof the strap is disengaged from the strap end receiving assembly and thedevice is withdrawn from the top of the load to allow the one end of thestrap and another end of the strap to be securely attached to respectiveanchor points for strapping over the load.
 15. The load strapping deviceof claim 14, further comprising a third elongated member telescopicallyextendible from the second elongated member to an extended positionremote of the pivot assembly, and an extension lock assembly for atleast temporarily locking the third elongated member in the extendedposition, the strap end receiving assembly being connected to a free endof the third elongated member, and further wherein, for use, the thirdelongated member is removably locked in the extended position.
 16. Theload strapping device of claim 15, wherein the third elongated member istelescopically extendible to the extended position by sliding over thesecond elongated member.
 17. The load strapping device of claim 15,wherein the extension lock assembly comprises a first aperture in thesecond elongated member, at least one second aperture in the thirdelongated member, and a pin which, in use, is located through both thefirst aperture and the, or a selected, second aperture for removablylocking the third elongated member in the extended position,
 18. Theload strapping device of claim 17, wherein the pin is a quick releasepin or a dowel pin that is insertable into, and removable from, both ofthe first and second apertures, and when inserted through both of thefirst and second apertures is secured in position by an R-shaped springclip engaged within a hole extending laterally within the pin.
 19. Theload strapping device of claim 17, wherein the pin is a spring movablelock pin which is secured to the second elongated member and is extendedoutwardly through the first aperture when the pin is under springtension, and is retracted inwardly from the first aperture when the pinis under spring compression exerted by a pressure applied by the thirdelongated member on the pin, and wherein the pin projects outwardlythrough the, or a selected, second aperture for removably locking thethird elongated member in the extended position,
 20. The load strappingdevice of claim 17, wherein there is a plurality of second apertureswhich are regularly spaced apart in the third elongated member.
 21. Theload strapping device of claim 15, wherein the strap end receivingassembly comprises a rod extending perpendicularly from a longitudinalaxis of the third elongated member, the rod having a length sufficientto receive therearound a looped end of the strap.
 22. A device for usein strapping a load at heights, the device comprising: (a) a firstelongated member having a first end, (b) a second elongated memberhaving a second end, (c) a pivot assembly interconnecting the first andsecond ends, (d) a third elongated member telescopically extendible fromthe second elongated member to an extended position remote of the pivotassembly, (e) an extension lock assembly for at least temporarilylocking the third elongated member in the extended position, and (f) astrap end receiving assembly connected to a free end of the thirdelongated member, wherein, for use, the third elongated member is lockedin the extended position, and one end of a strap is engaged to the strapend receiving assembly, and wherein a load strapping arrangement over aload is formed when a user, located at one side of the load, grips thedevice and lifts the one end of the strap to a first position just abovethe height of the load, from where the one end of the strap, by pivotalmanipulation of the elongated members, is then fed over the top of theload until the one end of the strap reaches a second position at theother side of the load, whereafter the one end of the strap isdisengaged from the strap end receiving assembly and the device iswithdrawn from the top of the load to allow the one end of the strap andanother end of the strap to be securely attached to respective anchorpoints for strapping over the load.